Chennai is home to many premier and well-known institutes of the country. From I.I.T. Madras to Anna University, the city has a rich cultural heritage and educational background. One can find different educational boards whose unique curriculum and teaching methods prepare the nation’s future foundation.
One such board is the International Board, where the facilities and curriculum offered are of global standards. Established in 1968, the International Baccalaureate (I.B.) or IBO (International Baccalaureate Organisation) is an education foundation that started early in Geneva, Switzerland. The I.B. Board has four different types of programs according to the age of the students. Let us take a look at the best international schools in Chennai.
In This Article
- The Lords’ International School
- HLC International School
- Lalaji Memorial Omega International School
- APL Global School
- The Indian Public School
- Chennai Public School
- M.C.T.M Chidambaram Chettyar International School
- CPS Global School
- American International School
- Gateway International School
List of 10 Best International Schools in Chennai for 2024 – 2025
Chennai has been a home to many reputed international schools, thus choosing one is often a tough task. With the beginning of the new academic calendar, it is important to note down the facilities these international schools are providing. We have mentioned the top 10 best International schools in Chennai along with their fee structure, timings, and facilities provided.
1. The Lords’ International School
The Lords’ International School stands out for being determined and coming up with new ideas to create new ways of learning. The students at Lords’ are encouraged to believe in themselves and their ideas to reach their goals. The environment of this school is the key to their practical teaching approach, and their attention to each student gives them a chance to develop the students in their way. They are one of the best international schools in Chennai, and your child would be in a safe environment that promotes leadership.
School Type | Day School | Establishment Year | 1983 |
Board | IGCSE, CAIE | Classes | Pre Kg – XII |
School Time | 8:50 AM – 3:30 PM | Fees Range | ₹150,000 – ₹400,000 |
Languages Taught | English, Hindi, Tamil, and French | ||
Address | 428/1, Munu Adhi Road, Samathuva Kishkintha Main Road, Periyar Nagar West, Chennai – 600063 | ||
Contact No | 072000 59525 |
Admission Process:
Lords’ follows a systematic admission process where you must visit the campus to start with the process. In case you are not available in Chennai, then you must mail them. The format for sending them the mail is given on their admission page. Once you fill the form, send it to them, and you will get the admission confirmation as soon as possible. Finally, submit the fee.
Age Criteria:-
Nursery – 3 Years+
Admission Documents:-
- 3 Passport size colour photos (Write your Child’s Name and Application Number on the backside of the photographs)
- Certified true copy of the birth certificate
- Transfer Certificate (from previous school)
- Photocopy of previous (Last two years) school Mark- sheet (If applicable)
- Passport copy (International Students)
- Identification Certificate (International Students)
- Blood Group proof
- Notarized photocopy of Aadhaar card (Father, Mother & Student residing in India)
- EMIS (Education Management Information System Number, if applicable)
- Notarized photocopy of Community Certificate
- Relevant certificates regarding any medical concerns; and documents related to special learning needs (if applicable)
Facilities
- Transport
- Playground
- Library
- Labs
- AV Facilities
- Medical Facilities
Extra-Curricular Activities
- Sports
- Art & Craft
- Yoga
- Clubs
2. HLC International School
Mrs. Sudha Mahesh and Mr. C.N.U Maheswaran, a renowned educationist, founded the Headstart Nursery and Primary School in 1995 which later on was rebranded and came to be known as HLC International School in 2009. The school is among the best international schools in Chennai and believes in enabling young minds to pursue their interests and passions. They aim to help build leaders for the future society who will produce a just, safe, inclusive and equitable world.
School Type | Day School | Establishment Year | 2009 |
Board | ICSE, ISC | Classes | LKg – XII |
School Time | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM | Fees Range | ₹10,000 – ₹60,000 |
Languages Taught | English, Hindi | ||
Address | Wing Haven 1st Ave, Sholinganallur, Karanai, Thazhambur, Tamil Nadu 603103 | ||
Contact No | 099628 05259 |
Admission Process:
The school offers admission on a first come, first serve basis. The admission form can be filled online. For admission to LKG, candidates should have completed 3 years as on May 10. For admissions to higher standards, it is completely on merit basis.
Age Criteria:-
Pre KG – 3 Years as on 31st May
Admission Documents:-
- Birth Certificate of the Child/Aadhar Card
- Recent Passport Size photo of the child
- PAN Card size photo of both parents together
- School report card ( Must for admission from UKG onwards)
Facilities
- Library
- Transport
- Student Counsellor
- Playground
- Healthcare – Infirmary Room
- Security – Security Guard, CCTV
Extra-Curricular Activities
- Sports
- Indoor Games – Chess
- Outdoor Games – Volleyball, Badminton, Tennis, Archery
- Art
- Literature
3. Lalaji Memorial Omega International School
Established in 2005, the Lalaji Omega Memorial School was founded to meet the present educational needs of the children. It is a co-ed day and residential school for students across 50 nations. The school offers I.B. Curriculum to students from Kindergarten to XII. The school aims to educate students on the values that one should always uphold to become respectable citizens. Over the years, the school has received many prestigious awards and is widely recognized as one of the Best International Schools in Chennai.
School Type | Day, Boarding School | Establishment Year | 2005 |
Board | CBSE, IGCSE, IB | Classes | Nursery – XII |
School Time | 7:45 AM to 3:10 PM | Fees Range | ₹300001 – ₹500000 |
Languages Taught | English, Hindi, French, German, Spanish | ||
Address | 79, Pallavaram Road, Kovur, Kolapakkam, Chennai, 600128 | ||
Contact No | 044 6624 1117 |
Admission Process:
The Lalaji Omega International School follows a simple admission process. The downloaded admission forms need to be duly filled and submitted along with the supporting documents. A fee of 1000 rupees also needs to be paid online as an admission registration fee. For more admission-related queries, parents can go through their admission guidelines.
Age Criteria:-
Pre KG- 2 Years+
LKG – 3 Years+
UKG- 4Years+
Admission Documents:-
- Recent passport size photograph (Less than 200Kb)
- Birth Certificate
- Aadhar Card
- Proof of address
- Community certificate (if applicable) (SC/ST/MBC/OBC/DNC/BC)
- Report card or Progress card for the latest term / semester from the school last attended.
- A Certificate from a qualified and licensed medical practitioner showing the blood group and details of allergies and special medical conditions of the child (if any)
- For students joining Class XI, kindly furnish if available a copy of Class IX Registration Card and copy of Class X board exam Hall Ticket or Mark Sheet.
- Passport and immigration documents
- Professional particulars of parents.
Facilities
- Library
- Transport
- Student Counsellor
- Playground
- Auditorium
- Smart Classroom
- Fitness Centre
- ATM
- Stationery Store
- Studio – Dance, Music
- Food – Canteen, Day Boarding, Nutritionist
- Healthcare – Doctor on call, Infirmary Room
- Security – Security Guard, CCTV
- Lab – Computer Lab, Science Lab, Maths Lab, Language Lab, Design Tech Lab, Robotics Lab etc.
Extra-Curricular Activities
- Sports
- Indoor Games – Chess, Table Tennis
- Outdoor Games – Cricket, Discus throw, Football, Kho Kho, Shot put, Volleyball, Tennis, Basketball, Swimming, Skating
- Art and Craft
- Dance & Music
- Yoga
4. APL Global School
A.P.L. Global School has made its name on the list of best international schools in Chennai. It became possible through their unique teaching approach. The focus is to create a safe space for every kind of student to explore their potential. The experienced group of teachers is also selected, and the whole vision aligns with the school. Together they want to create personalized learning for every student and make them feel inspired. The school logo determines confidence, responsibility, and self-awareness. One of the unique elements of this school is that they provide two types of learning, one is formal, and another one is flexible. It helps students according to their situation.
School Type | Day School | Establishment Year | 2008 |
Board | IGCSE, CAIE | Classes | Pre Kg – XII |
School Time | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Fees Range | ₹150,000 – ₹350,000 |
Languages Taught | English, Hindi, Tamil, French, and Spanish | ||
Address | 697, 3, Anand Nagar Main Rd, MCN Nagar, Okkiyam, Thoraipakkam, Chennai – 600097 | ||
Contact No | 044 4076 1199 |
Admission Process
The admission process is simple; you must fill a form where parents will give basic information about themselves and their child. The school will then review your application and contact you with the result. You can fill in the form on their website.
Age Criteria:-
Pre KG- 2 Years 6 months +
LKG – 3 years 6 months+
UKG- 4 Years 6 months+
Admission Documents:-
- Birth Certificate of the Child/Aadhar Card
- Recent Passport Size photo of the child
- PAN Card size photo of both parents together
- School report card ( Must for admission from UKG onwards)
- Facilities
- Smart Boards
- Labs
- Counselling
Extra-Curricular Activities
- Sports
- Art
- Music
- Baking
Top 10 Best CBSE Schools in Chennai
5. The Indian Public School
The Indian Public School has a unique approach to encouraging students. They believe every student should learn more than just what’s in the books. Their range of curriculum is challenging yet fun. They also provide a Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). Along with this, they are also an authorized examination centre for Cambridge school. IPS is one of the best international schools in Chennai and their end goal is to provide lifelong learning to their students. They encourage their students to be dedicated and find their interest and achieve success through their passion.
School Type | Boarding, Day School | Establishment Year | 2004 |
Board | IB | Classes | Pre Kg – XII |
School Time | 9:00 Am – 3:00 Pm | Fees Range | ₹150,000 – ₹350,000 |
Languages Taught | English, Hindi, Tamil | ||
Address | No. 50/51, First Main Road, Perungudi Industrial Estate, Perungudi, Chennai – 600096 | ||
Contact No | 044 4552 4308 |
Admission Process:
Admissions for each campus will be processed within the centre itself. Each centre has its dedicated admission team. Out of the five centres in Chennai, the school has a residential and outdoor campus as well. You can have the campus tour, and your child can also attend demo classes for the whole day. In case you have already thought this through and made up your mind about getting your child’s admission at the Indian public school; then you can simply fill out their online form.
Age Criteria:-
Toddlers – 1 year 6 months to 2 years 6 months
Pre-KG – 2 years and 6 months
LKG – 3 years and 6 months
UKG – 4 years and 6 months
Admission Documents:-
- 3 recent color photos.
- Birth certificate of student or a copy of a foreign passport of the student and parent(s).
- Academic records for the past two years(submitted during Pre-registration)
- Transfer Certificate from the previous school. If for any reason the Transfer Certificate cannot be produced at the time of admission, it must be produced on or before the commencement of the academic session.
- Transport / Lunch and Boarding requisition forms
- Health Record
- Permission form
- Residential address proof
- Permission to contact current/previous school.
Facilities
- Boarding facilities
- Health facilities
- Fine Dining
- Library
- Digital Multi-Media centre
- IT Infrastructure
- Science labs
- Transportation
Extra-Curricular Activities
- Sports
- Indoor Games – Badminton, Chess, Table Tennis
- Outdoor Games – Basketball, Swimming, Soccer, Cricket, Cycling, and Track events
- Yoga
- Arts
- Music
- Dance
- Robotics
6. Chennai Public School
Shri N Devarajan founded Chennai Public School in the year 2009. The school follows Cambridge curricullums to educate students from Pre primary to XII and is counted among the best international school sin Chennai. They offer all the different stages of the I.B. curriculum, allowing students to learn from the different techniques uniquely. They aim to build dynamic, creative leaders who would contribute greatly both to the nation and the world.
School Type | Day School | Establishment Year | 2009 |
Board | IB | Classes | LKg – XII |
School Time | 8:00 Am – 5:00 Pm | Fees Range | ₹10,000 – ₹50,000 |
Languages Taught | English, Hindi, Tamil, Hindi, Sanskrit, French | ||
Address |
TVS Avenue Main Road, Anna Nagar (West Extn.),Chennai – 600 101 |
||
Contact No | 91 044 26541177 |
Admission Process:
The school offers admission on a first come, first serve basis. The admission form can be filled online. For admission to pre primary, candidates should have completed 3 years as on May 10. And for admissions to higher standards, it is completely on their performance in CPS Scholastic Assessment Tool (CPS-SAT).
Age Criteria:-
Pre Primary II- Completed 3 Years
Pre Primary III – COmpleted 4 Years
Admission Documents:-
- Recent Passport size photograph
- Birth Certificate
- Residential Proof
- Parent’s Employment ID Card /Business Card
- Community Certificate (mandatory for communities other than General)
- Student Aadhaar Card
- Recent Report card/Mark statement/Equivalence Certificate
- Passport and Visa(For Foreign Nationals only)
- OCI/PIO Card (For Foreign Nationals only)
- Medical Certificate / Doctor’s prescription (For medical ailments, if any)
Facilities
- Library
- 3D Sci-fi Theatre
- Transport
- Student Counselor
- Playground
- Healthcare – Infirmary Room
- Security – Security Guard, CCTV
- Lab – Science, Math, English, Computer, Junior Science
Extra-Curricular Activities
- Sports
- Indoor Games – Chess
- Outdoor Games – Volleyball, Badminton, Tennis, Archery
- Art
- Literature
7. M.C.T.M Chidambaram Chettyar International School
In 2009, the M.C.T.M. Chidambaram Chettyar Foundation founded this school. The M.C.T.M. Chidambaram school was the first school in Chennai to start the I.B.D.P. Programme. It is an English medium, co-education, day boarding school that follows the I.B. Curriculum and provides classes from Kindergarten to XII. The school aims to provide holistic education to its students so that they can use their knowledge and creativity to shape the nation’s future. The school is ranked among the best international schools in Chennai.
School Type | Day, Boarding School | Establishment Year | 2009 |
Board | CBSE, IGCSE, IB | Classes | VI-XII |
School Time | 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM | Fees Range | ₹200001 – ₹400000 |
Languages Taught | English, Hindi, Tamil, French | ||
Address | 179, Luz Church Road, Mylapore, Chennai – 600 004 | ||
Contact No | 44 2467 0120 |
Admission Process:
Parents seeking admission for their students can read the admission guidelines in detail. For the I.B. Board admissions are available from class 6 onwards till class 12. All students must meet the age criteria mentioned on the website, and students who have completed class 5 from other boards are also eligible for admission.
Admission Criteria:-
For Grade 6 – Age should be 10+ and Candidate must qualify the Entrance Test in English, Mathematics and Science.
Admission Documents:-
- Birth Certificate of the Child/Aadhar Card
- Recent Passport Size photo of the child
- PAN Card size photo of both parents together
- Conduct Certificate
- School report card
Facilities
- Library
- Transport
- Student Counsellor
- Classrooms with digital technology
- Playground
- Auditorium
- Food – Canteen, Day Boarding, Nutritionist
- Healthcare – Doctor on call, Infirmary Room
- Security – Security Guard, CCTV
- Lab – Computer Lab, Science Lab, Maths Lab, Language Lab
Extra-Curricular Activities
- Sports
- Indoor Games – Chess, Table Tennis
- Outdoor Games – Cricket, Discus throw, Football, Kho Kho, Shot put, Volleyball, Tennis, Basketball
- Art and Craft
- Dance & Music
- Yoga
8.CPS Global School
CPS Global School is one of the best International schools in Chennai. The school aims to provide a dynamic learning opportunity that would help students with ample opportunities and vivid happenings for real life learning.It is managed by Kupidisaatham Narayanaswami Educational Trust (KNET). The school offers two international programs, CAIE for K-12 students and IB for classes 11 and 12. Their aim is to blend the best of academic programs from around the world in curating their very own best program that would help the students instill the values of intellectual integrity among the young learners. The school has also earned various prestigious awards over the last decade.
School Type | Day School | Establishment Year | 2009 |
Board | CAIE, IB | Classes | LKG-XII |
School Time | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Fees Range | ₹200001 – ₹50000 |
Languages Taught | English, Hindi, Tamil, French, Sanskrit | ||
Address | A 80, IIIrd Avenue, Annanagar, Chennai 102 | ||
Contact No | 04443515121 |
Admission Process:
The school follows a strict admission policy where age criteria plays an important role in the early years admission. For higher standards, i.e. for grades 1-9, admission depends on the performance of the candidate in the CPS GS – SAT test. To get a brief introduction about the school curriculum, parents can talk to the admission officer and procure the admission form.
Age Criteria:-
Early Years I ‐ 3 years
For Early Years II ‐ 4 years
Early Years III ‐ 5 years
Admission Documents:-
- Recent Passport size photograph
- Birth Certificate
- Residential Proof
- Parent’s Employment ID Card / Business Card
- Community Certificate (mandatory for communities other than General)
- Student Aadhaar Card
- Recent Report card / Mark statement / Equivalence Certificate
- Passport and Visa(For Foreign Nationals only)
- OCI / PIO Card (For Foreign Nationals only)
- Medical Certificate / Doctor’s prescription (For medical ailments, if any)
Facilities
- Library
- Transport
- Student Counselor
- Playground
- Healthcare – Infirmary Room
- Security – Security Guard, CCTV
- Lab – Science, Math, English, Computer, Junior Science
Extra-Curricular Activities
- Sports
- Indoor Games – Chess
- Outdoor Games – Volleyball, Badminton, Tennis, Archery
- Art
- Literature
Top 10 International Schools in Chennai
9. American International School
Established in 1995, the American International School aims to empower students with compassion, confidence, creativity, and courage so that they can become better citizens. The AI School is ranked as one of the best international schools in Chennai. Their teaching and learning methods are more personalized to meet the needs of all students. The curriculum is curated from research and it is aligned with the students’ career expectations.
School Type | Day, Boarding School | Establishment Year | 1995 |
Board | IB | Classes | Nursery – X |
School Time | 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM | Fees Range | ₹100001 – ₹300000 |
Languages Taught | English, Hindi, Kannada | ||
Address | 1106, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Tharamani, Chennai, 600113 | ||
Contact No | 044 2254 9000 |
Admission Process:
Parents seeking admission for their children to American International School need to follow the five simple steps. An inquiry form needs to be filled, and parents can then set up an admission account. Parents must fill in the required details and upload the required documents once the admission account is set up. The school authority will then review the admission. Parents can check their status online. Once admission is granted, the admission committee issues the Offer of Placement. If the admission seats are filled, candidates are moved to the waiting pool category. And if the student fails to meet the school admission guideline, then the admission is denied. Assessments are a must for admissions, and students are evaluated on their English and Maths skills.
Age Criteria:-
Pre School III- 3 Years
Pre School IV- 4 Years
Kindergarten – 5 Years
Grade I – 6 Years
Admission Documents:-
- Birth Certificate of the Child/Aadhar Card
- Recent Passport Size photo of the child
- PAN Card size photo of both parents together
- School report card
- Parents Employment letter
- Health Record
- Recommendation letter from the teacher/counsellor
Facilities:
- Library
- Transport
- Student Counsellor
- Playground
- Auditorium
- Smart Classroom
- Fitness Centre
- Studio – Dance, Music
- Food – Canteen, Day Boarding, Nutritionist
- Healthcare – Doctor on call, Infirmary Room
- Security – Security Guard, CCTV
- Lab – Computer Lab, Science Lab, Maths Lab, Language Lab, Design Tech Lab, Robotics Lab
Extra-Curricular Activities:
- Sports
- Indoor Games – Chess, Table Tennis
- Outdoor Games – Cricket, Discus throw, Football, Kho Kho, Shot put, Volleyball, Tennis, Basketball, Swimming, Skating
- Art and Craft
- Dance & Music
10. Gateway International School
Father Anton Cruz, a renowned educationist, founded the Gateway International School in 2017. It is an English Medium school, offering an I.B. curriculum from primary to XII level. The school is dedicated to providing the very best for all the students so that they can become the pillars of a great society in the future. Their unique teaching approach has made them one of the best international schools in Chennai. The school inspires students to have confidence in themselves and makes them ready to face future challenges.
School Type | Day School | Establishment Year | 2017 |
Board | CBSE, IGCSE, IB | Classes | Nursery-XII |
School Time | 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM | Fees Range | ₹200001 – ₹400000 |
Languages Taught | English, Hindi, Tamil, Spanish, French | ||
Address | Jabakadal Street, Padur, Kazhipattur Post, OMR, Chennai – 603103 | ||
Contact No | 91 8608117700 |
Admission Process:-
For admission in Gateway International School, parents need to fill the form online. Once the form is filled, a one-to-one session is then arranged where the admission counsellor examines the skill of the student. Admissions are open for both Indian and international students. However, for N.R.I. and international students, parents can complete the entire admission process online. Students must also meet the age criteria, and qualify for the entrance exam. International students seeking admission can go through the admission guidelines in detail.
Age Criteria:-
Pre KG- 2.6 Years
LKG – 3 Years+
UKG – Only if candidate has completed LKG
Admission Documents:-
- Transfer certificate from the previous school (original)
- Scholastic reports (original)
- Conduct certificate
- Birth certificate (copy)
- Community certificate (copy)
- Passport size photograph – 4 nos in sealed cover
- Passport & visa (copy) for those coming from overseas
Facilities
- Library
- Transport
- Student Counsellor
- CLassroom with digital technology
- Playground
- Smart Classrooms
- Auditorium
- Food – Canteen, Day Boarding, Nutritionist
- Healthcare – Doctor on call, Infirmary Room
- Security – Security Guard, CCTV
- Lab – Computer Lab, Science Lab, Maths Lab, Language Lab
Extra-Curricular Activities
- Sports
- Indoor Games – Chess, Table Tennis
- Outdoor Games – Cricket, Discus throw, Football, Kho Kho, Shot put, Volleyball, Tennis, Basketball, Simming, Athletics, Aerobics, Karate, Soccer
- Fine Arts
- Performing Arts
- Dance & Music
- Yoga
FAQ’s
1. What type of curriculum is followed in the International School?
The International Schools follow the IB Curriculum from preschool till class 12.
2. What is the difference between an international school and a normal school?
An International School follows a global curriculum, different from the one followed by schools in the host country.
3. Is studying at an international school more expensive than a normal one?
Studying in an international school is generally expensive. The mode of teaching and curriculum is highly varied thus a simple comparison is often a difficult task.
4. Why choose International Schools?
International Schools help students grow up in a global atmosphere where students from different countries learn together and prepare for university admissions.
5. Can anyone take admission to International Schools?
Most international schools only allow students who are not nationals of the domestic country. However, this is a general perception and may differ from one school to another.